Hibs youngsters agree Airdrie loan deal for next season

Airdrie have snapped up Hibs youngsters Josh O’Connor and Murray Aitken from Hibs on loan deals for next season.

The young Hibs stars, who are both 18, have signed new contracts with the Easter Road club to stave off interest from south of the border, and will continue their development with the Diamonds.

Striker O’Connor, son of former Hibs and Scotland hero Garry, has already featured for the first team.

Midfielder Aitken has been with Hibs since the age of 10, and has also made the breakthrough to the first team, and won the Reserve League with the Leith club.

Both youngsters will arrive at New Broomfield for pre-season, subject to SFA approval.

Hibs academy director Steve Kean said: “Looking at their specific development plans, it’s clear to us that playing senior football regularly will push them on and bridge the gap to our first team.

“I look forward to seeing how they develop.”

Rhys McCabe’s side finished third in League One and are in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Falkirk this afternoon, in which they hold a 6-2 lead.